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SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR : Sir, my friend Shri Indrajit Gupta has raised a most fundamental question. I do not expect this answer from the hon. Minister of Industry. Because he has said that the philosophy behind the public undertakings was that in certain vital matters a country of India’s size and prestige cannot depend upon foreign source and that is why public undertakings were established in certain strategic areas. It is altogether a different matter that whether they are running in losses or making profits. The question that arises is when the hon. Finance Minister makes some statement outside the country, to assure the same forces against whom this measure was taken, it is a total diversion of our fundamental policy. It is not the question of B.I.F.R. It is a financial matter. The question is not a financial question. It is a strategic political question relating to the sovereignty, integrity and honour of this nation.

I want to know as to what is the attitude of the Government. Because doubts have been raised by the reported statement of the hon. Finance Minister which, he would have better, avoided. What was the necessity to make the statement in Bangkok? There was enough place in Delhi. He could have had some patience to wait for the day when he arrived in Delhi, instead of making the statement in the presence of the authorities of World Bank and I.M.F. Shri Indrajit Gupta was referring to that fundamental issue. If the Government wants to share with us on this issue, it is welcome. Otherwise please do not answer. (Interruptions)

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR (Ballia) : What is the Minister talking? Is the Minister in his senses?

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR : It is not a party affair. He is making a statement which will increase the price of wheat tommarow in the market. At least he should feel what he is speaking. He is talking here and instigating people to raise the prices. (Interruptions).

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR : The Minister does not know what he is talking. The Minister should know what he is speaking. (Interruptions).

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR : You have lost your sense of proportion.

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR : ... sense of proportion. You know what you are talking about.

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR : The hon. Minister of Food is making a statement which is going to increase the prices of food. (Interruptions).

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR : If you want to create a trouble. (Interruptions).